Advanced Training

dog and owner

For private training clients who want above and beyond the basics, advanced training can include off-leash work, distance work, hand signals, wait for permission to leave the house or cross the street, long stays with heavy distractions, fetch & retrieval of household items, and other individualized tasks. Many people choose to continue basic training by taking the Canine Good Citizen test.  Preparation to pass the CGC test can be done in private lessons, or a group class which is offered at Markham park.  (Go to Group Training Classes)

Pet-Assisted Therapy

Pet-Assisted Therapy is a rewarding way to give back with your dog. Pet-Assisted Therapy involves a dog and handler team who visits nursing homes, hospitals and many other types of facilities to bring joy and comfort to patients.  Not all dogs are appropriate candidates for Pet-Assisted therapy work.  There is a considerable amount of training required to make your dog a Therapy Dog.

PlayTrain can evaluate your dog and if appropriate, prepare you and your dog with the training necessary to pass the Canine Good Citizen test and/or the Therapy Dog Test of your choice.


Contact Susan Claire, CPDT-KA for more information at 954-349-5969

PlayTrain uses science-based, force free methods.  We never use any method or collar that causes your dog to feel pain, fear or intimidation.  We follow the Humane Hierarchy and LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) codes of ethics.